The Annual Fund at ASL
At the American School in London, volunteerism and philanthropy are the foundations of our program. One cannot succeed without the other. Everyone in our community is encouraged to join us in making the School the best it can be.
The support and involvement of our parent community is invaluable, and strengthens the School’s mission to develop the intellect and character of each student by providing an outstanding American education with a global perspective. We are grateful for the enthusiasm of ASL parents who extend themselves though meaningful gifts of time, energy and resources. Your generous participation is integral to the spirit and success of the School.
ASL’s Annual Fund: A tradition for 25 years
This year we celebrate an important milestone in ASL’s philanthropic history: our 25th Annual Fund. We are proud of this tradition and the opportunities it creates for our community. For 25 years, ASL’s tradition of Annual Fund giving has helped to ensure an outstanding education for each student.
Thank you for embracing the spirit of ASL and our tradition of philanthropy.
What is the Annual Fund?
Annual tuition revenue covers only 90 percent of the actual cost of educating an ASL student. To help make up this difference, the Annual Fund is a volunteer-driven fundraising effort that provides approximately 5 percent of ASL’s operating budget each school year.
Gifts are unrestricted and participation is key to the success of our Annual Fund.
How does an Annual Fund support students, faculty and staff?
Through unrestricted funding, the Annual Fund provides the margin of excellence for our entire program, including the following:
- classroom equipment and technology
- cultural opportunities for our students
- faculty salaries and professional development
- field trips and outdoor program
- financial assistance
- sports and athletics
- visual and performing arts
What to expect
Every fall, all parents are solicited for the Annual Fund, as are alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and faculty and staff.
Gifts of any amount truly make a difference and are vital to the fiscal health and success of the School.
Each family is asked to give at a level that is commensurate with its ability to do so.
Many foundations and corporations view parent participation in the Annual Fund as an indicator of a school’s strength.
ASL aims for 100 percent participation from all constituencies.
How does ASL make Annual Fund appeals to parents?
The Annual Fund appeal is managed by the ASL advancement office and is supported by a team of more than 100 parent volunteers.
Appeals for support are personalized and sent in the fall, winter and spring. Volunteers contact parents by email and telephone during the school year.
How and when can I donate?
Giving levels
Stephen L. Eckard Society (£24,999 - £20,000) *
Orange & Black Society (£19,999-£15,000) *
Grosvenor Square Society (£14,999-£10,000) *
York Terrace Society (£9,999-£5,000) *
St. John's Wood Circle (£4,999-£2,500) *
Gloucester Gate Circle (£2,499-£1,000)
Eagle Society (£999-£1)
* Donors at these levels will be invited to a recognition reception in the fall.
Gifts received between July 1 and 30 June are publicized in ASL’s Annual Report.
Can I get tax benefits for my donation?
Yes. The American School in London Foundation (UK) Ltd. is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the US (Tax ID 13-6258480) and is recognized by the United Kingdom Charities Commission as a registered charity (No. 1086037).
For charitable giving purposes, many ASL donors contribute primarily to The American School in London (UK) Ltd., allowing them to potentially receive both US and UK tax benefits. For more information, click here.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a UK government program to encourage gifts to charities. If you are a UK taxpayer, using Gift Aid means that for every £1 you donate, ASL receives an extra 25 pence from HM Revenue & Customs, helping your gift go further. For example, if you complete an online Gift Aid declaration form, your £1,000 donation results in a £1,250 donation:
Your gift (£1,000) + Gift Aid (£250) = £1,250 for ASL
Example tax benefit to donor(s)*
A gift of £1,000 is recognized for a total gift amount of £1,250
At a 45% tax rate, UK tax payers may claim £312.50 on UK taxes
[(£1,250 x 45% tax rate) minus Gift Aid amount already claimed by ASL (£250)]
Donors can itemize a £1,250 deduction on US taxes
(Donation + Gift Aid amount claimed by ASL)
In 2015-16, ASL received £171,303 from Gift Aid toward our Annual Fund goal.
To learn more and complete the simple online Gift Aid declaration form, please visit www.asl.org/giftaid.
*Individual circumstances may vary. Please consult your tax accountant or financial planner.
Does ASL accept corporate matching gifts?
Yes! Many corporations match employee’s charitable gifts to schools and each year they bring much-needed revenue. This kind of support makes a significant contribution to our school as it can double or triple the size of your gift.
ASL is grateful to the many corporations that support the School through generous corporate matching gift programs. To see a list of participating corporations, please visit www.asl.org/matchinggifts.
Why not raise tuition to cover the cost of the education?
Did you know?
Since its inception in 1992,
ASL community members have
given nearly 20,000 gifts to the
Annual Fund.
UK taxpayers, please use Gift Aid to make your donation go further: ASL will receive an additional 25p for every £1 you donate. You must pay an amount of tax that is at least equal to the amount of tax ASL will reclaim on your gifts for the tax year.
London NW8 0NP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 1200
